11 November 2026 | Curated by the team of boldvoices
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are premium over-ear wireless headphones designed around active noise cancellation, personalized sound and long-wear comfort. The second generation keeps Bose’s familiar QuietComfort fit while adding a refined metal finish, improved ActiveSense processing, USB-C lossless wired audio, Cinema Mode and smarter on-head detection. Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint connectivity and up to 30 hours of claimed battery life make them suitable for travel, office work and home listening.
India price and availability: On 11 November 2026, Reliance Digital’s Bose collection displayed selected colours at ₹31,990 against an MRP of ₹49,900, with product listings available for purchase. The Bose India catalogue separately displayed the model at its standard ₹49,900 price, while individual retailer product pages may show different prices by colour or offer. Treat ₹31,990 as a retailer collection-page offer snapshot, and confirm the exact variant, final checkout price, seller and warranty before paying.
Noise control: Active Noise Cancellation, Quiet Mode, Aware Mode and adjustable listening modes
Adaptive processing: Updated ActiveSense for smoother response to sudden environmental noise
Personalized audio: Bose CustomTune calibration
Immersive audio: Bose Immersive Audio and Cinema Mode
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint support
Wired audio: USB-C digital lossless audio and analogue audio cable
Battery: Up to 30 hours; up to 23 hours with Immersive Audio enabled
Quick charge: 15 minutes for up to 3 hours of playback under Bose test conditions
Charging: USB-C; approximately 3 hours for a full charge
Controls: Physical multifunction button, Bluetooth/power button and capacitive volume strip
Other features: On-head detection, Bose app, adjustable EQ and customizable shortcuts
Bluetooth audio: SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive support, with Snapdragon Sound-compatible devices
Warranty: One-year manufacturer warranty listed by Reliance Digital
India offer snapshot: ₹31,990 on selected colours at Reliance Digital’s collection page on 11 November 2026
Active noise cancellation and improved ActiveSense
Noise cancellation is the core reason to consider the QuietComfort Ultra range. The headphones use microphones and digital processing to reduce surrounding sound, helping listeners focus on music, calls or work in places such as aircraft cabins, trains and busy offices. Quiet Mode is designed for stronger noise reduction, while Aware Mode allows more of the outside environment to be heard.
The second-generation model refines ActiveSense in Aware Mode. When enabled, the system adjusts noise cancellation in response to sudden loud sounds, aiming to make changes smoother rather than allowing a sharp noise to overwhelm the listening experience. This can be useful around traffic, appliances and public spaces, although it does not replace awareness of nearby hazards.
Noise cancellation performance varies with fit, ear shape, the type of noise and how well the ear cushions seal. Low-frequency steady sounds are generally easier for ANC systems to reduce than irregular voices or sharp transient noises. Users should try the fit if possible, especially if they wear glasses or have difficulty with over-ear clamping pressure.
CustomTune personalizes the sound
Bose CustomTune technology measures the acoustic response around the listener’s ears and adjusts audio performance to suit the individual fit. The aim is to deliver a more consistent sound profile from person to person. The Bose app provides additional controls, including adjustable equalizer settings and the ability to create or customize listening modes.
Personalized sound is useful because ear shape, cushion position and head movement can affect how headphones reproduce audio. It does not mean the headphones will automatically match every listener’s taste. People who prefer a stronger bass response, brighter vocals or a more neutral presentation can use the EQ to tune the output.
Cinema Mode and Bose Immersive Audio
Cinema Mode is a new listening option designed for video content. Bose says it spatializes the audio and balances dialogue with surrounding sound effects to create a more cinematic presentation through the headphones. It is intended for films, television and other video where clear speech and a wider soundstage can improve the experience.
Bose Immersive Audio also offers spatialized listening for music and other content. The headphones can present audio in different modes, including still and motion-oriented experiences, depending on the app and settings. Spatial processing is a preference-led feature: some listeners may enjoy the more expansive presentation, while others may prefer conventional stereo for music.
USB-C lossless audio is a meaningful upgrade
One of the most practical improvements over the first generation is USB-C wired audio. When connected to a compatible computer or mobile device using a USB-C cable, the headphones can receive digital audio without relying on Bluetooth compression. Bose specifies support for 16-bit audio at 44.1kHz or 48kHz over USB audio with compatible source files.
This is useful for listeners with lossless music libraries and for some gaming or video-editing workflows where a wired connection can also reduce wireless latency. The supplied analogue cable remains available for traditional wired listening. The headphones can also be used while charging, which is convenient for long desk sessions.
Lossless playback depends on the source file, device, application and connection. A compressed stream does not become lossless merely because the headphones are connected by USB-C. For wireless listening, Bluetooth codec support and the source device determine the available audio format.
Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint and Snapdragon Sound
The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) support Bluetooth 5.4 and multipoint connectivity, allowing the headphones to remain connected to two source devices at the same time. A user can, for example, listen to a laptop and take a call from a paired phone, with switching managed by the headphones and connected devices.
Bose lists SBC and AAC as standard Bluetooth codecs and supports aptX Adaptive through compatible Snapdragon Sound devices. Android users with supported phones can also use Google Fast Pair. Actual codec selection depends on the phone, operating system, source application and Bluetooth settings. Bluetooth 5.4 alone does not guarantee lossless wireless audio.
Up to 30 hours of battery life
Bose rates the headphones for up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancellation enabled and Immersive Audio switched off. With Immersive Audio on, the stated maximum falls to up to 23 hours. Bose also lists up to 45 hours with noise cancellation turned off. These figures are manufacturer estimates under controlled playback conditions; actual runtime depends on volume, settings, connection and usage.
A 15-minute quick charge is rated to provide up to three hours of playback, or up to two hours with Immersive Audio enabled. A full charge takes approximately three hours. Battery life is strong for long journeys, but users who regularly use spatial audio or listen at high volume should expect less than the maximum figure.
Comfort, materials and everyday controls
The second-generation model retains the over-ear QuietComfort shape and soft protein-leather cushions, while adding polished metal components for a more premium finish. The headband is adjustable and the ear cushions are removable. Bose’s design aims to distribute pressure comfortably for long listening sessions, and the headphones fold for storage in the supplied carry case.
Controls include a Bluetooth and power button, a multifunction button for playback and calls, and a capacitive volume strip. On-head detection can automatically wake the headphones when they are put on and pause or manage playback when they are removed, depending on settings. Users can customize shortcuts through the Bose app, including access to listening modes or a phone’s voice assistant.
Firmware update adds LE Audio and other capabilities
Bose’s support notes list a firmware update released on 8 September 2026 that adds Bluetooth LE Audio support in beta, including Auracast and unicast audio with compatible Android and Windows devices. The same update adds 5.1 spatial audio with head tracking on compatible Android devices and improves USB compatibility for calls and game/chat balance.
These additions depend on compatible source devices and the relevant software. LE Audio and Auracast support should not be assumed to work with every phone or computer. Check the Bose app for the installed firmware version and the current compatibility notes before expecting these features to appear.
Calls, microphones and app support
The headphones include built-in microphones for calls and voice assistant access. Bose says the second generation improves call performance, while the app provides control over listening modes, EQ, Bluetooth connections and shortcuts. The headphones can be paired through a device’s Bluetooth settings without the app, but Bose recommends using the app to access the full feature set and install firmware updates.
Call quality depends on microphone processing, the surrounding environment and the connected phone or computer. For professional meetings in very noisy spaces, a dedicated boom-microphone headset may still provide more consistent voice pickup.
Are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones waterproof?
No. Bose’s product guidance says the headphones do not have a water-resistance rating and should be kept away from wet conditions. They are not designed for workouts involving heavy sweat, rain or water exposure. Wipe the ear cushions and headband according to Bose’s care instructions, and avoid charging the headphones if the USB-C port is wet.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) price in India
On 11 November 2026, Reliance Digital’s Bose collection showed selected QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) colours at ₹31,990, reduced from an MRP of ₹49,900. The same collection listed variants including Desert Gold, Driftwood Sand and White. Bose India’s own catalogue showed the model at ₹49,900, and a Reliance Digital individual product page could display a different price from the collection offer. The final amount is therefore dependent on colour, listing and checkout offer.
Reliance Digital’s product information lists a one-year manufacturer warranty. Confirm the exact seller, colour, stock, delivery PIN code, warranty and return terms before ordering. Do not assume the collection-page discount will apply to every colour or remain available after the date of this price check.
Who should consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)?
Frequent flyers and commuters: Strong ANC and long battery life are useful in noisy travel environments.
Office professionals: Quiet and Aware modes, multipoint pairing and call controls support hybrid work.
Film and series viewers: Cinema Mode is designed to make dialogue and spatial effects more engaging.
Lossless audio listeners: USB-C digital audio offers a wired listening path for compatible high-quality sources.
Android users with compatible devices: Snapdragon Sound, Fast Pair and newer LE Audio features may add useful options.
What to consider before buying
The headphones are expensive at their ₹49,900 MRP, even when retailer discounts bring the price down. They are not water-resistant, and the best battery figure depends on keeping Immersive Audio off. Some newer features, such as LE Audio and head-tracked spatial sound, require compatible devices and firmware. If you mainly need noise cancellation for occasional travel, a less expensive Bose QuietComfort model may be sufficient.
Also compare the price of the first-generation QuietComfort Ultra and competitors such as Sony’s WH-1000XM series and Sennheiser’s Momentum range. The second generation’s strongest reasons to upgrade are USB-C lossless audio, Cinema Mode, improved ActiveSense, longer battery life and smarter power behaviour—not a complete redesign of the core fit.
Our buying verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are a premium choice for listeners who value noise cancellation, comfortable over-ear design and flexible listening modes. USB-C lossless audio, Cinema Mode, refined ActiveSense, multipoint Bluetooth and up to 30 hours of battery life make the new model more versatile than its predecessor. The 2026 firmware update also expands its wireless capabilities for compatible devices.
At a retailer offer near ₹31,990, the headphones become more compelling than at the ₹49,900 MRP, but buyers should verify the exact colour and checkout price. They are best suited to frequent travellers, professionals and audio enthusiasts who will use the noise control and wired audio features. Keep them dry, check device compatibility and compare competing flagship headphones before making the final call.
Check Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones availability in India
Compare the available colours and confirm the live offer on Reliance Digital. Also check Bose India’s official catalogue for product details and warranty support. For Amazon, verify the second-generation model, authorised seller and current price rather than confusing it with the first-generation headphones.
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